On the witness stand, Amber Heard holds a handkerchief to her nose, pauses for a few seconds while the cameras click. Then she puts the handkerchief away and wipes her nose with her hand. It’s scenes like this that degrade the actress to a performer and a liar in seconds and are wonderfully suited to be shared on social media.
One could almost forget what the trial between Johnny Depp (58) and Amber Heard (37) is actually about: The “Pirates of the Caribbean” star sued his short-term wife for $50 million in damages. A 2018 Washington Post article in which she portrayed herself as a victim of domestic violence would have done lasting damage to his career. Heard counterclaimed $100 million.
It was his team that got the trial broadcast live. A brilliant move. For six weeks, the lawyers for the two actors have been calling experts, companions, ex-girlfriends and film partners to the witness stand. Hundreds of fans cheer in front of the courtroom every day, but the media spectacle is far from over with superstars waving from limousines. The process “Depp against Heard” is much more, it has detached itself from real human fates. It is an entertaining chamber play, a court drama with a top cast, a mud fight on dime novel level. Clips, synopses, parodies and analyzes vie for attention on TVs, screens and especially on the mobile phones of millions of people.
Videos on TikTok under the hashtag “justiceforamberheard” have been viewed 55 million times. 16.8 billion times those who demand “justiceforjohnnydepp”. Figures that certainly reflect public opinion. Hearts fly to him, hate messages to her.
While she shows herself emotionally, Depp counters attacks by opposing lawyers with humor and self-mockery – also ideal for entertaining clips. If you get stuck with such a video, the algorithm will show you more of it. The fact that these short videos often manipulate more than they inform becomes clear at the latest when Amber Heard’s short-term love, Tesla boss Elon Musk, speaks in the witness stand – and that never actually happened.
Top cast court drama
The drama’s cast is second to none: supermodel Kate Moss admits she has never experienced violence from Johnny Depp in their years-long relationship, while actress Ellen Barkin recalls an angry and controlling partner. Heard’s “Aquaman” colleague Jason Momoa uses his time testifying for Depp to flirt with his attorney Camille Vasquez, one who has become a star in the process. When Vasquez hugs Depp and puts his hand on his forearm, a message is certainly intended: Can a man like that be a woman beater?
Because yes, the process brings his alcohol and drug abuse to light. Incriminating text messages and audio recordings from both sides. “Shut up, fatass,” he says in one after she tells him to stub his cigarettes out on someone else. It’s about divorce millions that Heard didn’t donate to charities as claimed. But it’s also about violence, rape, abuse.
No matter what the verdict that is expected in the end is: Johnny Depp will emerge victorious from the courtroom, he has redeemed himself in public opinion. Amber Heard’s star has probably gone down in Hollywood. The ones who definitely lost are those who never set foot in this courtroom: women suffering domestic or sexual violence. Women who are not believed and who now fear the public even more.
Source: Nachrichten
